Effect of acyclovir on HIV-1 set point among herpes simplex virus type 2-seropositive persons during early HIV-1 infection

J Infect Dis. 2010 Sep 1;202(5):734-8. doi: 10.1086/655662.

Abstract

We evaluated whether acyclovir suppression during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) acquisition reduces HIV-1 set point, increases CD4 cell counts, and selects reverse-transcriptase mutations among 76 HIV-1 seroconverters identified in a placebo-controlled trial of twice-daily acyclovir (400 mg) for the prevention of HIV acquisition in herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)-seropositive persons (HIV Prevention Trials Network study 039). We found no significant difference in plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (P =.30) or CD4 cell counts (P =.85) between the acyclovir and placebo recipients. V75I and other mutations in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase reported from in vitro acyclovir studies were not observed. In conclusion, acyclovir suppression during HIV-1 seroconversion and the subsequent 6 months does not affect HIV-1 set point.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir* / administration & dosage
  • Acyclovir* / pharmacology
  • Acyclovir* / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antiviral Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents* / therapeutic use
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV Reverse Transcriptase / genetics
  • HIV-1 / drug effects*
  • HIV-1 / genetics
  • Herpes Genitalis / complications
  • Herpes Genitalis / drug therapy*
  • Herpes Genitalis / epidemiology
  • Herpes Genitalis / virology
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / drug effects*
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / immunology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Viral Load
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antiviral Agents
  • RNA, Viral
  • reverse transcriptase, Human immunodeficiency virus 1
  • HIV Reverse Transcriptase
  • Acyclovir